As a skincare and beauty expert with years of experience in the industry, I'm often asked about the best practices for applying sunscreen, especially in relation to makeup application. The question of whether one can put sunscreen under their makeup is a common one, and it's important to address it with both scientific understanding and practical considerations in mind.

**Sunscreen Application and Skin Protection**
First and foremost, the primary purpose of sunscreen is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This includes both UVA rays, which can cause premature aging, and UVB rays, which can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days.

Direct Application to Skin
When it comes to the application of sunscreen, dermatologists generally advise applying it directly onto clean skin. This is because sunscreen needs to form a uniform layer on the skin to be effective. If applied over other products, such as makeup or moisturizers, the sunscreen may not spread evenly, which could compromise its protective capabilities.

Compatibility with Makeup
While ideally sunscreen should be the last thing you put on before your skin is exposed to the sun, the reality is that many people prefer to wear makeup and want to know how to incorporate sunscreen into their routine without disrupting their look. Here are some tips to consider:


1. Use a Primer with SPF: A primer with a built-in SPF can serve as a barrier between your skin and makeup, providing some level of protection while also helping to smooth the skin and make your makeup last longer.


2. Choose Mineral Sunscreens: Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are less likely to cause a reaction with makeup. They can also be less irritating to the skin and are often recommended for sensitive skin types.


3. Allow Time for Absorption: Give your sunscreen at least 15 minutes to absorb into your skin before applying makeup. This helps to ensure that the sunscreen is working effectively and reduces the chance of it being rubbed off or appearing patchy under makeup.


4. Reapplication: Regardless of the type of sunscreen you use, it's important to reapply it every two hours, or more frequently if you're sweating or toweling off. This is especially true if you're wearing makeup, as it can block the sun's rays from reaching the sunscreen and reducing its effectiveness.

Professional Opinion
Dr. Katz, a dermatologist, suggests that for maximum protection, sunscreen should indeed be applied directly onto the skin, underneath any makeup, moisturizers, or other skincare products. However, he acknowledges that in practice, many people may not be willing to remove their makeup and reapply sunscreen, which is why alternative methods, such as using a makeup product with SPF, are recommended.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while it's best to apply sunscreen directly to the skin, it's understandable that many individuals want to incorporate it into their makeup routine. By using a primer with SPF, choosing mineral sunscreens, allowing time for absorption, and remembering to reapply, you can still achieve a good level of sun protection while maintaining your desired appearance.

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--For maximum protection, sunscreen should be applied directly onto skin, underneath any makeup, other moisturizers or skincare products. You can put sunscreen on over your foundation, but ideally you would wash it all off and reapply -- although, we know most women won't really do that,-- says Dr. Katz.May 10, 2018read more >>